Duterte submits report to Congress on martial law declaration

May 25, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte submitted on Thursday night a report to Congress justifying his declaration of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao. Duterte handed over the report to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in Davao City. The two congressional leaders were in Davao City as they also attended the special Cabinet meeting, which the President convened to discuss the situation in Marawi City. Section 18, Article VII of the Constitution provides, "within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. "The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it." Duterte declared martial law Tuesday night due to lawless violence and rebellion going on in Marawi perpetrated by the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group. (Celerina Monte/DMS)